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Former Kano State Governor, Rabiu Kwankwaso, has expressed support for the decision of the Nigeria Democratic Congress to zone its 2027 presidential ticket to Southern Nigeria.

Kwankwaso stated this on Saturday while speaking at the party’s national convention in Abuja, describing the arrangement as consistent with the party’s commitment to fairness, unity and power sharing.

According to him, Nigeria was currently facing serious economic and security challenges caused by poor leadership and weak governance.

“Nigeria stands at a critical crossroads. The world is undergoing a profound geopolitical shift, yet our nation has been caught unprepared largely because of poor leadership,” he said.

He lamented worsening insecurity, economic hardship, declining investments and challenges in the education sector, saying many Nigerians were struggling under harsh conditions.

Kwankwaso also recalled several political alliances in Nigeria’s history which, according to him, helped strengthen national unity and democratic development.

He referenced the alliance between the Northern Elements Progressive Union led by Aminu Kano and the National Council of Nigeria and the Cameroons led by Nnamdi Azikiwe, as well as the coalition between the NCNC and the Northern People’s Congress before independence.

The former governor further cited the partnership between former President Shehu Shagari and former Vice President Alex Ekwueme during the Second Republic.

“It is therefore with a great sense of unity and solidarity that, as a loyal party member, I support the decision to zone the presidential ticket of the NDC to the South so that the region can complete its turn in producing national leadership,” he said.

Kwankwaso described the zoning arrangement as an opportunity for national healing and pledged to support the party’s decision.

The convention had earlier approved the zoning of the party’s presidential ticket to Southern Nigeria for a single four-year term before rotating it back to the North.

The motion for the zoning arrangement was moved by Afam Victor Ogene and seconded by Seyi Sowunmi.

The development is expected to strengthen the chances of former Anambra State Governor, Peter Obi, and other southern aspirants within the emerging opposition coalition.

Earlier, the National Chairman of the party, Cleopas Moses Zuwoghe, reaffirmed the party’s commitment to democracy, constitutional governance and national development.

Kwankwaso and Obi recently defected from the African Democratic Congress and formally joined the NDC, where they were issued membership cards at the party’s national secretariat in Abuja.

Why I Support Southern Presidency In 2027 — Kwankwaso is first published on The Whistler Newspaper

The national leader of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Senator Seriake Dickson, has declared that there is no room for one party state in Nigeria.

“Nigeria must never be reduced to a one-party state,” he declared while addressing a political gathering in Abuja on Saturday during the ADC’s inaugural national convention.

Addressing delegates at the convention, Dickson said the NDC was established to preserve multi-party democracy and provide Nigerians with an alternative political platform amid worsening insecurity, economic hardship and declining public trust in government institutions.

“We have assembled at a defining moment in the life of our nation — a time of worsening insecurity, economic hardship, deepening poverty, growing national division, and declining public trust in government and institutions.
Our duty in the NDC is to reverse these dangerous trends,” he said.

The former Bayelsa State governor said the NDC, barely three months after its registration, had already gained unprecedented national acceptance.

“As you all know, this party is barely three months old, yet no political party in the history of our country has enjoyed this level of acceptance, enthusiasm, and trust from Nigerians within such a short period of time as the NDC has received,” he stated.

Dickson recounted the party’s long journey to registration, saying efforts to establish the platform dated back to 2017 after what he described as the weakening of the ideals of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

According to him, the party eventually secured registration after a favourable Federal High Court judgment in December 2025 compelled the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to issue its certificate last February.

He commended the judiciary and the electoral commission for complying with the court ruling, while urging both institutions to protect opposition parties and strengthen democratic plurality in the country.

“Nigeria needs a strong party in government and also strong parties in opposition,” he said.
The senator who represents Bayelsa West, also dismissed claims that the party’s registration remained under legal challenge.

“Contrary to propaganda, there is no appeal against the judgment by INEC or by anyone. The judgment has been obeyed and implemented fully,” he said.

The NDC national leader disclosed that former Labour Party presidential candidate, Mr. Peter Obi and former Kano State governor, Rabiu Kwankwaso had officially joined the party after consultations.

“This partnership represents a unique convergence of political experience, administrative competence, national reach, and a shared hope for the future of Nigeria,” he said.

He also acknowledged the support bases of both leaders, including the Obidient and Kwankwasiyya movements, describing the alliance as a coalition of “experience and patriotism.”

The NDC leader stressed that the party would pursue issue-based politics rooted in service, inclusion and national unity.

“The NDC was founded as an ideological party determined to do politics differently — politics of service, politics of dialogue, politics of consensus-building, politics of inclusion, politics of respect for all Nigerians, politics of unity rather than division,” he said.

The lawmaker however, said the party did not regard members of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) as enemies despite disagreements over governance.

“To our brothers, friends, and colleagues in the APC, let me say clearly: you are not our enemies. You are fellow citizens with whom we simply disagree politically,” he said.

He criticised the culture of frequent defections by politicians, insisting that parties should be built on enduring ideas and values rather than convenience.

“We must bring an end to the culture of politicians jumping from one political party to another without ideological conviction,” he said.

Dickson also defended his long-standing role in opposition politics, noting that he resisted pressure to join the ruling party despite political and personal costs.

“I resisted every pressure and inducement to join the ruling party — not because I hate anyone, but because some of us must make sacrifices to entrench democracy and preserve multi-party politics in Nigeria,” he stated.

Warning against authoritarian tendencies, he added: “Any political system without a credible opposition is a dictatorship, and Nigeria must never become a dictatorship — civilian or otherwise.”

He urged party members to embrace peaceful political engagement and avoid violence ahead of future elections.

“In the coming weeks and months, we shall take our differences with the ruling party to all communities, local governments, wards, states, and finally polling units. These differences will be decided at the polling units, and not through violence,” he said.

The politician expressed optimism that the convention would affirm the party’s interim leadership and pave the way for the selection of candidates for elective offices, including the presidency.

No Room For One Party State, Says NDC’s Dickson is first published on The Whistler Newspaper

Nigerian comedian Bovi Ugboma and South African actress Nomzamo Mbatha sparked reactions after recreating Funke Akindele and Toyin Abraham’s snub moment.

The duo recreated the viral snub video on Saturday during the hosting segment at the 2026 edition of the Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards ceremony in Lagos State.

DAILY POST recalls that Funke Akindele had, during the premiere of Iyabo Ojo’s movie, *The Return of Arinzo* in March 2026, publicly snubbed Toyin Abraham over their rivalry.

Following the controversy, the duo unfollowed each other on social media, with Iyabo Ojo accusing Toyin Abraham of violating a peace agreement with Akindele.

Watch the moment:

AMVCA 2026: Bovi, Nomzamo recreate viral Funke Akindele-Toyin Abraham snub drama [VIDEO]

The war in Ukraine, which has surpassed four years, could come to an end soon, ​Russian President Vladimir Putin indicated over the weekend.

​”I think the conflict in Ukraine is heading toward a conclusion​,” ​​Putin implied in Moscow while speaking on the sidelines of the Victory Day ​a​nniversary. 

The President commented on reports that Zelensky is ready to hold a personal meeting. “We have never refused,” he said. “Whoever wants to meet, let them come to Moscow.”

Putin reiterated his view that the “globalist wing of Western elites” is fighting Russia through the Ukrainians, expecting to achieve the collapse of its statehood within a few months.

The premier said the planned “crushing defeat for Russia” hasn’t happened, adding that “they got stuck in this rut and now they can’t get out of it.”

On Iran, Putin revealed Russia offered to store Iran’s enriched uranium, but the United States later “toughened its position,” after everyone initially agreed to the idea.

The President also disclosed that Russia and China are preparing to take “a very serious step forward” in the gas and oil sectors, as Moscow and Beijing strengthen economic ties.

Putin, however, praised the foreign leaders who ​traveled to Moscow for the ​Victory Day ​commemoration, saying their presence “demonstrated personal courage​.”

Ukraine war heading toward conclusion – Putin

Lisabi, a movie by actors Lateef Adedimeji and Mobimpe, has won the Best Indigenous Language Film (West Africa) award at the 12th edition of the Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards, AMVCA.

The ongoing 2026 AMVCA awards ceremony was held on Saturday, May 9, 2026, at Eko Hotel and Suites in Lagos.

Receiving the award, Lateef dedicated it to his wife, Mobimpe, who gave birth to triplets a week ago after five years of marriage.

He said, “This award is dedicated to the woman who made me chase my dream. The woman who gave me my three kings.”

DAILY POST reports that the movie won the award for two consecutive years.

Recall that Lisabi: A Legend Is Born won the Best Indigenous Language Film award in 2025.

2026 AMVCA: Again, Lisabi wins Best Indigenous Language Film

Inter Miami captain, Lionel Messi, on Saturday broke former Toronto forward Sebastian Giovinco’s record and became the fastest player in Major League Soccer, MLS, history to reach 50 -plus goals and assists.

Messi achieved this feat after scoring a goal and providing two assists in Inter Miami’s 4-2 win against Toronto, according to Fabrizio Romano.

This means that Messi has now scored 59 goals and provided 41 assists from 64 MLS games.

His goal against Toronto also means that the Ballon d’Or winner has registered 907 career goals and 410 career assists.

Messi moved to Inter Miami from Paris Saint-Germain a few years ago.

The former Barcelona captain has been brilliant for the American club so far.

MLS: Messi breaks Sebastian Giovinco’s record, makes history

Nigeria’s Accountant General of the Federation, Shamseldeen Babatunde Ogunjimi, has clarified his remarks on a six-month ultimatum to the World Bank over loan disbursement.

In a statement issued at the weekend by the spokesperson of the Office of the Accountant General of the Federation, Bawa Mokwa, the AGF said the remarks were made in the context of encouraging timely consideration and processing of no-objection requests.

The AGF explained that the facilities being accessed by Nigeria are loans and not grants and therefore require efficient processing to ensure that projects tied to such facilities are implemented within planned timelines and fiscal cycles.

“At no point did the AGF issue a threat or ultimatum to the World Bank. Rather, he underscored the importance of stronger collaboration, mutual understanding, and timely and favourable consideration in the processing of no-objection requests by the OAGF to the World Bank when such requests are made by the OAGF for the deployment of project accountants, assistant project accountants, and project internal auditors from the Treasury for all federal government World Bank-funded projects that have a duration of more than six months before the project closure.

“The OAGF remains committed to maintaining a cordial and productive relationship with the World Bank and other development partners in advancing transparency, accountability and effective public financial management in Nigeria,” the statement read.

Nigeria’s AGF clarifies six-month ultimatum to World Bank over loan disbursement

The Nigeria Police Force has revealed that former Big Brother Naija housemate, Ms. Ilebaye Odiniya Emmanuel, and her two younger brothers, who were rescued during a police operation in Abuja are currently in protective custody and not detained as being circulated in online reports.

The clarification follows reports alleging that the children rescued from the residence of Hon. Emmanuel Odiniya in Wuye, Abuja, were being held in police custody after an alleged assault incident involving Ilebaye and her father.

In a statement issued on Saturday, the FCT Police Public Relations Officer, SP Josephine Adeh, said Ilebaye, 27, alongside her brothers, Godson Emmanuel Odiniya, 14, and Devin Emmanuel Odiniya, 10, were rescued and taken for medical attention after the operation.

According to the statement, the victims, alongside their father who also sustained injuries during the confrontation, were rushed to Yabisam Hospital, Lugbe, by the Area Commander Metro, ACP Ufomadu Georglyn.

Adeh stated that the children remain under police protective custody and not detention as alleged in some online publications.

“The rescued siblings are currently in police protective custody, contrary to the circulating publications being released online, while their father, who is also receiving medical treatment, remains in police custody,” the statement read.

She added that investigations into the incident were ongoing and that questioning of all parties would commence once medical personnel certify them stable.

Police Clarify Ilebaye’s Siblings’ Custody Situation is first published on The Whistler Newspaper

Barcelona legend, Ronaldinho, has sent a special word of support to his old club ahead of their LaLiga El Clasico with Real Madrid.

The Blaugrana will host the Los Blancos in Sunday’s El Clasico clash  at Camp Nou.

The Catalan club sits at the top of the LaLiga table with 88 points from 34 games, and Real Madrid occupies the second position with 77 points from the same number of matches.

However, in a post on X ahead of the encounter,  Ronaldinho posted a picture of himself in El Clasico action, with the caption, “Great week and with El Clásico!!! Let’s go Barça.”

Meanwhile, Barcelona manager Hansi Flick had said at his pre-match press conference earlier on Saturday that it would be unbelievable for his team to win a back-to-back LaLiga title.

“To win a second title with this young team would be unbelievable,” Flick said.

El Clasico: Ronaldinho sends message to Barcelona ahead of Real Madrid clash

Manchester City closed the gap between themselves and Arsenal to two points with a 3-0 victory on Saturday.

Pep Guardiola’s dropped points earlier in the week, after they were held to a 3-3 draw at Everton.

But they bounced back to keep their Premier League title hopes alive with a home win.

Although the first half ended goalless, City made their dominance count after the break.

In-form Jeremy Doku opened the scoring with a curling effort, before Erling Haaland bundled the second over the line.

Omar Marmoush came off the bench to add the third goal.

Arsenal can extend their lead to five points when they play at West Ham tomorrow.

EPL table: Man City cut Arsenal’s lead to two points with Brentford win